A silhouette flitted silently across the expansive rooftops of the Imperial Palace, dancing lightly as if ridiculing the vigilance of the Imperial Knights. Finally, it landed gently on the roof of a certain building, cold wind whipping at its dark robes. Its face was hidden, lit only by the dim shine of moonlight.

Aim for the moment when hes dancing, drunk in the mood. You only have one chance. If you fail

The silhouette burrowed its frigid fingers deeper into its pockets. The freezing sensation was becoming familiar, and it reminded the figure that it was still alive.

Im still alive. It was difficult to tell if the figures voice belonged to a man or a woman.

The silhouette pondered.

The birthday banquet would be a horrific affair, filled with screams rather than cheersbut the blue eyes behind the robes shone calmly in the dreary darkness.

Everyone was staring at Charles. The men were praising her appearance, but she was angry. Her family, which used to stand among the most affluent in the Empire, was on the decline. The title of Duke felt like a joke now. Everyone seemed to be gossiping about her family as they stared at her.

I cant run away. I need to be brave for my father. Charles bit her lip and moved confidently into the throng.

The center of the banquet hall was particularly boisterous.

Who does she think she is? Natasha mumbled. Her family is in decline and she still has the gall to dance?

Oh. Natasha clapped her hand over her mouth and giggled. Maybe shes here because of her father. She reached over and nudged the man next to her.

Gehog, son of Marquis Crombell, returned Natashas gaze with a menacing expression.

Whats her deal?

Natasha shrugged absently, drawing a scowl from Gehog. He seemed anxious, but then his eyes gleamed.

Maybe shes here to save face. Show everyone that her family is still strong.

Yeah. Right. Natasha covered her lips, astonished.

Gehog cast a glance at Natasha before returning his gaze to Charles.

Her face has changed since I last saw her. Gehog flashed slyly, like a polite pig. Shes like a trophy. I want to break it.

Charles came closer and closer, but was interrupted by a fat man.

Hello?

Charles turned her head towards the voice.

I am Count Shibres eldest son, Pig set Shibre. A pleasant smile graced his lips. For obvious reasons, Pig had only been greeting the nobility.

Ah, Count Shibre. Charles nodded. It didnt take long for her to grasp the situation; in her familys situationpractically total warshe had to keep her ear to the ground. Knowing which families could become friends wasnt an option, it was a necessity.

I am Charles du Pontier. Charles gracefully lifted the hem of her dress. Its great to meet the son of the illustrious Count Shibre.

Pigs grin widened. Charles hardly looked like the daughter of a dying Duchy; each action dripped with dignity, embellished by her stunning looks.

I could tell from the way all the mens eyes look at us. I can work with this. Pig clenched his fists, his heart pounding with possessive lust.

I want this woman. It was a completely different feeling than when he was looking at Natasha: this had nothing to do with his family, this was about his manhood. I want to see more of her reactions. Her looks arent bad.

Pig brushed his thoughts aside and resumed the conversation with a smile.

Rumors had it that the daughter of Duke Pontier was one of the most beautiful ladies in the Empire. It seems to me that its not a rumor at all. Pig let out an uncanny laugh, his eyes sparkling. By the wayit mustve hurt. Your familys situation and all that, I mean.

Charles trembled, but she quickly responded with a small smile.

Thank you for your worries, Pig. Yes, as you said, we were in a dire situation, but I know that Ill be able to fix it soon.

Ahh. Pigs eyes glowed. He saw Charles shift her gaze towards the center of the banquet hallspecifically, towards the child of Marquis Crombell.

Pig grinned. If you believe that, he muttered to Charles, I believe I can assist you in some way.

Yes? Charless eyes widened.

Just as I said, Pig muttered. My family just recently uncovered heaps and heaps of mana stones. That means moneythe most crucial thing in a war. Between your family and my family, who knows what we could achieve?

The bait had been thrown. Given the Pontiers current predicament, it was a difficult thing to resist; there was a good chance that Charles wouldnt be able to turn him down.

No, he was certain she would say yes.

I own 10% of the mana stones, but that will suffice. The Pontiers will slowly regain their name if they secure a highly profitable business.

Pig stared at Charles with a malicious smile, who bowed politely but had yet to reply.

Please, would you allow me to accompany the Young Lady?

I Charles sighed. Thank you for the thought, but Im afraid I have to decline.

Yes? Pig was puzzledand skeptical.

Money is indeed vital, but thats not our familys only problem right nowAnd I dont want to trouble your father. She bowed and sighed again. By all appearances, it seemed she was totally unbothered by the fact that Pig came from a lesser social class. Thank you for the thought, Pig.

Pigs expression twisted, jaw clenching as he stared blankly at Charles. His ears rang, deafening him to everything but the sound of his rejectionagain.

His feelings of inadequacy finally came to a head.

Are you full of yourself, or are you just blind?

He spoke just loud enough to reach Charles, who stood right in front of him.

What did you just say?

I said You have too much pride for a dying family.

Charless eyes widened.

Shocked? You shouldnt be. Thats why the Duchy is failingbecause Duke Pontier has a daughter like you.

You cant talk to me like that?

You must be wrong, Princess. Pig gestured around them, smirking. No one here will help you.

What the

No one except me is willing to speak to you, because they dont want to look bad in front of Marquis Crombell. Hm. I heard youve lost more than 70% of your business, right? Dont forget that its money that brought you here. Its your fathers only talentbut, oh, now its all ashes What else are you going to do? Youre too cheeky for someone who has practically nothing.

Charles clenched her fists, but couldnt come up with a reply. Everything Pig said was true.

You cant show them that youre weak. Slowly, she pushed it down. Tears threatened to burst forth at any moment, but Charles tolerated it.

She was the eldest daughter of Pontier, Charles du Pontier.

Now think carefully, and take my hand. Not many people would be willing to help you, Princess Charles. Pig offered his hand once more with a smirk.

Gehog, watching from a distance, burst out laughing.

This is fun Hey, dance with me for a while.

I will grant you the honor of touching me because youre the great Crombells son. Natasha took Gehogs hand, laughing cheerfully.

Charles slowly raised her head, fighting to control her trembling body.

I

YouYou! A high-pitched voice drew everyones attention away from Charles towards a corner of the dance hall.

Hey, Senna! What is your problem?! One of the other young ladies held Senna, casting her a puzzled glance.

Its him! Senna pointed with a shaking finger.

Who the hell is him?

They all turned to follow Sennas finger.

Ah! Immediately, exclamations escaped from their lips.

There stood a man, over 180cm tall and proportioned like hed been sculpted by the gods themselves. He had exceedingly rare dark bluealmost blackhair, matched with deep blue eyes dark like the depths of the abyss. His pointed nose and sharp features aroused images of the goddess of beauty; indeed, he was more attractive than any man Senna had ever seen.

He eventually arrived in front of Charles and Pig, who shared the same blank expression as the rest of the crowd.

You

Young lady Charles du Pontier.

Yes? Charles stared at the mans face, awed by his visage and his deep voice.

Would you grant me the privilege of dancing with you?